The HOE Code

Chapter Eleven

"You make no sense!" I retorted, reaching for my bag, when he caught me by my hand.

"Don't!" He said, pulling me all the way in as I bumped into him.

"Ouch," I said, feeling the growing soreness in my hand.

"There are people looking for me, I can't go out, and neither can you!" He confessed. I looked at him wide eyed.

"What?"

"Man, I have to repeat it all?" He groaned, looking me in the eye.

"Do you realize that you literally sound like a psychotic criminal?" I raised my brow at him, and he chuckled.

"I am not asking for your judgment. Just stay here till the coast is clear!" He said, and I couldn't help but worry that he was too deep in some shit.

"Really? And what makes you think that no one will find you? This is a goddamn community shower, not your father's penthouse!" I said, jerking my hand away from him.

"That's my problem to deal with, you do as you're told!"

"I am not taking orders from a runaway idiot!" I said, walking to the door when I felt the stringent pain in my back as he pins me to the wooden door. My cheek pressed cold against it as he holds me afixed to the uncomfortable position.

"Let go of me, Gus! Don't pull me in your shit!" I whined and I could feel his warmth behind my ear. Did I mention this guy needs a shower?

"I don't want to hurt you. You're just making it annoyingly hard for me to get things done!" He whispered in my ear.

"Touché. You are literally hurting me!" I said, feeling the jolting pain in my hand, and I felt his grip turning softer.

I turned around as he gives me the space to breathe, and face him. He might be an outlaw, and God knows what potential he has for damage. I had to make calculated moves.

"If I agree to what you say, you won't hurt me?" I murmured.

"No." He said.

Everything seemed stupid. Trusting him, and his replies when I didn't even know him at all! A kiss literally means nothing. Not when it's done wrong.

"Why are you running away?" I asked.

"I can't tell you." His hands laid on either side of me as I stood frozen between the door and him. Between the world, and Gus, I was a weakly elected armor. The thought itself felt fishy.

"Okay. What happens if you get caught?" I fumbled with the corner of my shirt, pulling at it nervously.

"I get a suspension before the semester starts." He said, with an undying guilt in his voice.

"Fine. I will co-operate!" I said, and he moved to a side, setting me free. I walked to the other end of the room, and sat with my legs crossed on the dry, tile floor.

To my surprise, Gus walked to my side, and sat right beside me. Leaning against the wall, he let out a sigh, and I couldn't help but wonder what did he do to get expelled, if caught? I hope he didn't kill someone, or something.

"Marley." He murmured.

"I won't ask how you know my name. I am convinced you are a stalker!" I chuckled.

Chances were that he had picked my name from my conversation with Jake. I never thought he would remember it. But he remembers.

"I won't deny. But I am a good one." He said, and I tilted my head to see him smile.

"Doesn't work if you say that yourself, honey!"

"Come on! Give me something, I am your first kiss!" He waved his hands dramatically.